Death toll from port blast rises to 14, interior minister says

The color of the smoke from the first explosion at Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas suggests the presence of a large amount of sodium, defense and security analyst Farzin Nadimi told Iran International.

"The color of the smoke from the first explosion is completely yellow, which indicates the presence of a large amount of sodium in the blast," Nadimi said.

"Sodium is the main material used to produce sodium perchlorate — the same chemical that was unloaded at Bandar Abbas in February and March this year. This chemical, imported from China, is combined with ammonium chloride to produce ammonium perchlorate, which is used in the production of solid missile fuel," he added.

Internet speeds in Bandar Abbas dropped significantly on Saturday evening following the explosion at Rajaei port, according to reports received by Iran International.

Several users said in their messages that internet speeds in Bandar Abbas severely declined as reports about the explosion at Rajaei port emerged, making it difficult to upload or download videos.

The office of Iran’s prosecutor general earlier warned it would take action against social media users publishing "false information" about the explosion.

Several countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Japan, and Russia have expressed condolences after the explosions at Rajaei port in Bandar Abbas.

Saudi Arabia said it was ready to provide any assistance requested by Iran, while Russia’s embassy in Tehran said any request for help would be immediately relayed to Moscow.

Iraq’s foreign ministry also offered support, and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered officials to coordinate aid with Iran.

Iran’s health ministry has declared a public health emergency in Bandar Abbas following the explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port, warning of the spread of hazardous pollutants including "ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide."

In a directive to Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, the ministry ordered the formation of emergency response teams and urged residents to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and keep windows closed.

Vulnerable groups, including people with respiratory or heart conditions, children, pregnant women, and the elderly, were advised to wear N95 or P2 masks.

Authorities also recommended frequent face washing and the use of protective clothing.

A large fire continued to burn at Rajaei Port on Saturday night, and as the flames spread to other containers, new explosions occurred in the area, according to media reports.

Explosions could still be heard from the port compound, videos shared on social media show.

The fire at the dock and container yard of Rajaei Port remains large and widespread.